Dog Shaking Head and Scratching Ears: When to See the Vet

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Persistent head shaking and ear scratching, especially when accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge (brown, yellow, or black), or a foul odor, indicate a need for veterinary evaluation, as these are common signs of otitis externa (outer ear infection) caused by bacteria or yeast.
• Emergency veterinary care is critical for dogs exhibiting severe neurological signs such as constant head tilt, stumbling, circling, rapid eye flicking, or vomiting, which can signify a serious inner ear infection or a ruptured eardrum.
• Ear mites, characterized by intense itching and dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds, are a common cause, particularly in younger animals, and require microscopic confirmation and simultaneous treatment of all affected pets in a household.
• Foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal, such as grass seeds, can cause sudden, intense discomfort and require professional removal to prevent further injury or pushing the object deeper.
• Allergies (food or environmental) are a frequent underlying cause of recurrent ear infections, leading to inflammation and increased wax production that predisposes the ear to secondary bacterial or yeast overgrowth, necessitating management of the primary allergic condition.
• Home care should be limited to gentle external drying and observation; never insert cotton swabs, liquids, or over-the-counter medications into the ear canal without veterinary guidance, as this can exacerbate inflammation, introduce infection, or cause damage if the eardrum is compromised.

If your dog is shaking their head and scratching at their ears, you are right to be concerned. This behavior is also annoying for you and your pet. It is a clear sign that something in or around the ear is bothering them. The most common causes are ear infections, ear mites, or trapped debris, but the exact problem matters for treatment. Do not wait for weeks to see if it clears up on its own. Many ear problems get worse without proper care, and some can damage the eardrum or lead to deeper infections.

Here is the short version: if your dog is only shaking and scratching occasionally and the ears look clean and normal, you can monitor them closely for 24 to 48 hours. If the behavior is frequent, if the ears look red, swollen, or dirty, if there is a smell, or if your dog seems painful, you should see a veterinarian. If your dog is also tilting their head constantly, stumbling, circling, or has lost their appetite, this can be an emergency. Go to an emergency vet immediately.

Is This an Emergency?

Use this table to decide your next step. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. They can tell you over the phone whether you need to come in right away.

{
 "type": "triage",
 "title": "Urgency triage by severity of signs",
 "tiers": [
  {
   "tier": "danger",
   "label": "Go to an emergency vet now",
   "signs": [
    "Head tilt that does not stop, stumbling or falling, walking in circles, rapid eye flicking, vomiting, refusal to eat, or a swollen and painful ear that your dog will not let you touch",
    "These signs can point to a severe inner ear infection or a ruptured eardrum"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Do not wait for a regular appointment",
    "Call the emergency clinic on your way so they can prepare"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "warn",
   "label": "Book a same-day appointment",
   "signs": [
    "Head shaking or ear scratching that happens many times per hour, ears that are red or swollen, brown or yellow discharge, a bad odor from the ear, or your dog whining or yelping when they scratch"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Call your regular vet as soon as they open",
    "If they cannot see you today, ask if they have urgent slots or which nearby clinic can take you"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "safe",
   "label": "Watch at home for 24 to 48 hours",
   "signs": [
    "Occasional head shake after swimming or bathing, a few scratches per day, and ears that look clean, pink, and dry with no smell"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Dry the ears gently with a soft towel after water exposure",
    "Do not put anything inside the ear",
    "If signs do not stop within two days, book a vet visit"
   ]
  }
 ]
}

What Is Most Likely Going On: Ear Infection

The most common reason for a dog to shake their head and scratch their ears is an ear infection. The medical term is otitis, and it means inflammation of the ear canal. Most ear infections in dogs involve the outer ear, called otitis externa. Bacteria and yeast are the usual culprits. Both can grow when the ear canal becomes warm, moist, or irritated.

You may notice a few things. The inside of the ear flap might look red instead of pale pink. There may be discharge that is brown, yellow, or black. The ear might smell sour, musty, or sweet. Your dog might hold their head to one side or flinch when you touch near the ear. Some dogs scratch so hard that they create raw spots on the skin around the ear or on the cheek.

Ear infections do not go away on their own. They need treatment from a veterinarian, who will look inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. This tool lets the vet see the eardrum and the deep canal. That matters because some ear drops can damage the middle ear if the eardrum is torn. Your vet will also take a swab of the discharge and look at it under a microscope to identify whether bacteria or yeast are present. This guides which medication will work. Dosing and medication choice must come from your veterinarian, because giving the wrong drug or the wrong amount can make the infection worse or harm the ear.

What Else It Could Be: Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live inside the ear canal. They are much more common in puppies than in adult dogs, but any dog can pick them up from another animal. The classic sign is intense itching and dark, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds. The scratching is often severe, and the shaking can be constant.

Mites are highly contagious between pets in the same home. If one dog has them, other dogs and cats in the house should be checked. A veterinarian can confirm mites by looking at the ear discharge under a microscope. Treatment involves cleaning the ears and applying a medication that kills the mites. All affected pets need treatment at the same time, or they will keep passing the mites back and forth.

What Else It Could Be: Foreign Objects and Allergies

Sometimes the problem is not an infection at all. A grass seed, a piece of dirt, or a small twig can get lodged in the ear canal. This causes sudden, intense shaking and scratching. You might not be able to see the object without an otoscope. If you suspect something is stuck, do not try to remove it with tweezers or cotton swabs. You can push it deeper or damage the eardrum. A vet can remove it safely and quickly.

Allergies are another common cause. Dogs with food allergies or environmental allergies often develop itchy skin, and the ears are a frequent target. The ear canal becomes inflamed and produces more wax, which then allows bacteria or yeast to overgrow. In these cases, treating the infection alone is not enough. The underlying allergy must be managed, or the ear problems will keep returning. Your vet can help you identify triggers and build a long-term plan.

What Else It Could Be: Polyps, Tumors, or Injury

Less commonly, a growth inside the ear canal can cause shaking and scratching. These growths, called polyps or tumors, can be benign or malignant. They take up space in the canal, trap debris, and cause discomfort. They are more likely in older dogs, but they can occur at any age. A vet can see these growths with an otoscope, and sometimes imaging such as X-rays is needed to see how deep they go.

Injury is another possibility. A scratch from another dog, a thorn, or a bite wound on the ear flap can cause pain and itching. The ear may be swollen, bruised, or bleeding. If the ear flap swells like a balloon filled with fluid, this is called an aural hematoma. It happens when a blood vessel in the ear breaks, often from violent head shaking. This condition needs veterinary treatment, usually drainage and sometimes surgery, to prevent permanent ear deformity.

Why You Should Not Wait

Ear problems tend to progress. A mild infection can spread deeper into the middle or inner ear, where it can affect balance and hearing. Chronic infections can thicken the ear canal and make it harder to treat over time. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that persistent signs of pain or discomfort in pets warrant prompt professional evaluation, instead of waiting to see if the problem resolves on its own. Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the cause and recommend the right treatment plan for your dog.

What You Can Do at Home Right Now

If your dog is shaking their head and scratching their ears but otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can take a few safe steps while you arrange a veterinary visit.

First, look at the ears. You can do this gently at home. Sit with your dog in a calm, well-lit room. Have treats ready. Lift one ear flap and look inside. You are checking for redness, swelling, discharge, dark crumbly material, or a bad smell. Compare one ear to the other. A normal ear canal looks pale pink, clean, and dry.

Do not put anything inside the ear. No cotton swabs, no alcohol, no hydrogen peroxide, no vinegar, and no over-the-counter ear drops. The eardrum can rupture from infection or injury. If the eardrum is torn, certain liquids and medications can enter the middle ear and cause deafness or balance problems. A veterinarian must examine the ear with an otoscope, a special light tool, to confirm the eardrum is intact before anything is placed in the canal.

You can wipe the outer part of the ear flap with a dry cotton ball if there is visible dirt. Do not push anything into the vertical canal. If the ear is painful, stop and do not force the exam.

You can also reduce the chance of further irritation. Keep your dog from scratching by using an Elizabethan collar, often called a cone, if you have one. This prevents self-trauma. Do not bathe your dog or let them swim until a vet has looked at the ears. Moisture can worsen an infection.

Do not give your dog any human pain medication. Drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen are toxic to dogs. Even a single tablet can cause kidney failure or stomach bleeding. If your dog seems painful, call a veterinarian for advice on safe options.

What to Measure and Write Down Before You Call

A clear history helps your veterinarian. Write down the following before you call or visit.

• How many times per hour your dog shakes their head or scratches an ear. Count for one full hour.
• When the signs started. Was it yesterday, three days ago, or three weeks ago?
• Whether both ears or only one ear is affected.
• What the ear looks like. Note color, discharge, odor, or swelling.
• Whether your dog tilts their head, seems dizzy, or stumbles.
• Whether your dog has been swimming, had a bath, or been in tall grass recently.
• Any previous ear infections and how they were treated.
• Any other signs: reduced appetite, lethargy, fever, or changes in behavior.

Also measure your dog's resting breathing rate. Count breaths per minute while your dog is asleep or lying quietly. Normal is usually under 30 breaths per minute. If it is higher, mention that to the vet.

Home Ear Exam Guide

Triage Table: When to Call the Vet

What a Veterinary Visit Usually Involves

Your veterinarian will start with questions about the history you wrote down. They will then examine both ears with an otoscope. This tool lets them see the eardrum and the depth of the canal. They will also check your dog's mouth, eyes, and skin for signs of allergy or other disease.

Common tests include an ear swab. The vet collects a small sample of discharge and looks at it under a microscope. This identifies yeast, bacteria, or mites. In some cases, the vet may recommend a culture to identify the exact bacteria and the best antibiotic. This is more common for repeat infections.

If the ear is very painful or swollen, your dog may need sedation for a full exam and cleaning. The vet may flush the ear canal with a sterile solution to remove debris. This is done under sedation because it can be uncomfortable.

Costs vary widely by region and clinic. A basic ear exam and swab might range from 50 to 150 dollars. A sedated ear flush with medication might range from 200 to 500 dollars. A culture adds more. These are general ranges, not quotes. Ask your clinic for an estimate before treatment.

When an Online Vet Can Help, and When It Cannot

Some situations in this article require hands-on care. A swollen ear flap, a head tilt with dizziness, or a dog in obvious pain cannot be managed remotely. These need an in-person emergency visit. The same applies if your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or is not eating. Remote care cannot examine the eardrum, take a temperature, or run tests. Do not use an online consultation to delay emergency care for these signs. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on recognizing emergencies and seeking immediate professional care.

A remote consultation is genuinely useful for early or mild signs. If your dog started shaking their head yesterday, has no pain, no odor, and no other symptoms, an online vet can help you decide whether a visit is needed. They can also answer questions about medication side effects, recheck a known chronic ear condition, or advise on whether a sign warrants an in-person appointment.

A remote vet can take a detailed history, watch your dog on video, and give advice. In many states, they can prescribe medication. However, they cannot palpate the ear, listen to the chest, take a temperature, run bloodwork, or image anything. Prescribing rules differ by state. A veterinarian may require an in-person examination before prescribing, especially for antibiotics or steroids. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, remote prescribing is not safe. That diagnosis requires an otoscope.

Use remote care as a first step, not a substitute for examination when the underlying cause is unknown. If signs worsen or do not improve within 48 hours, schedule an in-person visit.

Common Mistakes Owners Make With Ear Problems

Many well-meaning owners try things that make ear problems worse. Here is what to avoid and what to do instead.

If you have already tried one of these, do not panic. Stop the practice and call your vet for advice. The most common mistake is waiting, because the ear canal becomes more swollen and painful the longer inflammation continues.

How to Reduce the Chance of It Happening Again

Ear problems often return if the underlying cause is not addressed. Dogs with floppy ears, allergies, or a history of swimming are at higher risk.

Dry the ears after water exposure. After baths or swimming, gently wipe the outer ear flap with a soft towel. Do not push anything into the canal. For dogs that swim often, ask your vet about a drying solution designed for ears.

Control allergies with your vet's guidance. Many repeat ear infections are allergy driven. Food allergies and environmental allergies both cause inflammation in the ear lining. Your vet can help you identify triggers and choose a management plan.

Check ears weekly. Look for redness, dark wax, or a smell. Lift the ear flap and look at the opening. If your dog flinches or pulls away, that is a sign of pain. Catching problems early shortens treatment time.

Keep hair around the ear opening trimmed if your dog grows thick ear hair. Ask your groomer or vet to show you how to do this safely.

What Recovery and Ongoing Management Usually Look Like

Most uncomplicated ear infections improve within 7 to 14 days of treatment. You will likely see less head shaking within 48 to 72 hours after starting medication. That does not mean the infection is gone. Finish the full course of medication even if your dog seems better.

Your vet may prescribe ear drops, oral medication, or both. Dosing must come from the treating veterinarian because it depends on your dog's weight, the type of infection, and how severe it is. Giving the wrong amount can cause resistance or toxicity.

Ear mite treatment usually involves a topical product and sometimes a follow-up dose at 3 to 4 weeks to catch newly hatched mites. All pets in the home may need treatment, even if only one shows signs.

Follow-up visits matter. Your vet may want to recheck the ear after treatment ends to confirm the infection is gone. This is especially important for chronic or severe cases. Some dogs need longer treatment, and some need imaging or a culture to identify resistant bacteria.

If your dog has allergies, ear management becomes part of a long-term plan. You may see flare-ups seasonally or after diet changes. Work with your vet to build a routine that keeps your dog comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use olive oil or coconut oil in my dog's ear?

No. Oils coat the ear lining and can trap moisture, debris, and bacteria. They can also interfere with the medications your vet prescribes. If you suspect mites or an infection, skip home remedies and have the ear examined. The right treatment depends on what is actually present, and that requires a vet to look at a sample under a microscope.

My dog shakes his head only after meals. Is that an allergy?

It can be. Food allergies sometimes cause ear inflammation that shows up as head shaking after eating. But the same sign can come from a foreign object or an infection that has nothing to do with food. Keep a diary of when shaking happens and what your dog ate. Share it with your vet, who can help you decide whether a diet trial is worthwhile.

How do I know if my dog's eardrum is ruptured?

You cannot tell from the outside. A ruptured eardrum is painful and can cause balance problems, head tilt, or discharge. Some ear drops are dangerous if the eardrum is torn. That is why your vet checks the eardrum before prescribing certain medications. Never put anything in your dog's ear without a recent veterinary exam.

Is it safe to use a home ear cleaner before the vet visit?

Only if your vet has previously recommended that specific product for your dog. If you have never used it, wait. Cleaning can remove discharge that your vet needs to sample for diagnosis. It can also push debris deeper. If the ear is very painful, cleaning at home may cause your dog to bite. Let the vet handle the first clean.

My dog had an ear infection last month and now it is back. Why?

Repeat infections usually mean the underlying cause was not resolved. Common reasons include allergies, a resistant bacterial strain, a foreign body, or an ear polyp. Your vet may recommend a culture to identify the exact bacteria and the medication that will kill it. Some dogs need imaging to look deeper into the ear canal.

When can my dog go back to swimming after an ear infection?

Wait until your vet confirms the infection is cleared and the ear canal looks healthy. Swimming too soon can reintroduce moisture and bacteria. After your vet gives the all clear, dry the ears thoroughly after every swim. If your dog gets frequent infections, ask about preventive ear care products that are safe for regular use.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Dog Coughing: When Is It an Emergency?
• My Dog Ate a CBD Gummy: What Should I Do?
• Cat Vomiting After Eating Too Fast: When to Slow Down and When to Call

References and Further Reading

• AVMA Emergency Care for Pets
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• AVMA Pet Owner Resources
• MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version
• AAHA Pet Owner Resources

Related Articles

• Dog Head Tilt: Causes and When to See a Vet
• Dog Constipation: When to See a Vet
• Dog Coughing and Gagging: When to See a Vet
• Dog Shaking or Trembling: When to Call the Vet
• Dog Diarrhea: When to See a Vet and When to Wait

This article is general educational information for pet owners. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, examination, or treatment. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening signs, contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.